American Fork Condo Sold

[May 25,2015] Monday

Our last, lurking, financial concern was our attempt to sell the Condo where Molly’s mother had lived. We had thought about renting it, but didn’t really want to be in a position of maintaining the financial responsibility and risk, and having to find a property manager to take care of the day-to-day stuff. So, we had decided to leave it empty, pay the monthly HOA fee, utilities, and annual property tax bill, and just cross our fingers and hope it wouldn’t sit on the market much longer.

Well, we got a call from our real estate agent, Martha, on Friday, telling us that two people had looked at it and made offers. One would be a cash settlement, not needing to go through all the mortgage funding hoops, met our expectation on price, and would be able to close on June 8^th, a week before we leave on our mission. So, we signed that one on Monday.

We are truly grateful that things have fallen into place all along the way to make this possible for us. We truly feel blessed.

Missouri / Wisconsin Trip to See the Kids

[May 18 – 23, 2015] Monday through Saturday

We flew from Salt Lake to Kansas City Sunday evening. The flight was delayed a bit, so we arrived at 12:30 am. The hotel shuttle had stopped running, so we had to find a taxi. We finally got to bed at about 1:30 am.

Monday morning, we rented a car, and drove out to Jeff and Holly’s farm. Everything was so green and lush. Very beautiful. Jeff was at work, and Dani was at school when we arrived, but we still enjoyed seeing Holly, Dexter and Gary. Holly gave us the grand tour – lots of changes since we were last here in November.

 

We saw her garden spots, with lots of different kinds of vegetables and herbs. She introduced us to Tulip – the milk cow, the two calves, the kittens, and to the chickens and rooster. We were impressed with how the chickens came running when Holly stood at the fence and made a little sound with her mouth. The ducks apparently don’t like the light of day, so we didn’t get to see those.

In our getting ready to move, we had discovered a big garbage bag labeled, “Holly’s stuffed animals – do not discard!” It was full of Holly’s stuffed animals, and a Mr. Potatohead, so we vacuum packed all we could fit into a suitcase, and brought it with us. It was fun to watch Dexter and Gary see it “un-vacuum”, and then play with all of Holly’s old toys. They particularly liked the Mr. Potatohead!

In the afternoon, I stayed with Gary (napping) while Molly went with Holly and Dexter to pick up Dani at school. She was so cute when she got home – so grown up and pretty. She loved the stuffed animals, too. Jeff got home shortly after, so we got to visit with him as well. Such a cute, fun family.

On Tuesday, I got to use their riding mower to knock down all the weeds in the near pasture. (That’s me off in the distance, according to Molly.) In the afternoon, we all went to pick up Dani at school, and went to get some things at the Amish store south of Knob Noster.

On Wednesday morning, we made a quick visit before having to drive to the airport to fly out. We were glad to get there early enough to see Jeff before he left for work and to watch Holly milk the cow. It was raining, but Tulip had to be milked, so Holly and Molly donned boots and went out to the far pasture to retrieve her, and milk her. As it was raining, Molly had her hood on. She noticed Penelope (the cow with horns who isn’t as friendly to people as Tulip is) watching her with a not so friendly look. Molly mentioned her concern to Holly who told to her to take the hood off. She still made sure that Tulip was always between her and Penelope.

Molly got to do some (very little) of the milking, but reports that it was lots of fun, despite the mud and rain. There is something so peaceful and sweet about Holly’s farm. We played with the kids a while and then it was time to say good-bye. Dani asked Molly if we were coming back the next day. When Molly told her no, we had to leave, Dani held her tight and started to cry, which made Molly cry and Holly and Dexter. Gary was a bit indifferent. We had such a good time with them and it were very hard to leave.

On to Wisconsin. Another delayed flight. We sat in Kansas City airport for about an hour and a half. But we always enjoy our time together and didn’t mind. We got into Chicago O’Hare airport about 5:30, took a shuttle to the car rental and drove to Port Washington and Seth’s family. Since the freeway was packed with rush hour, we decided to just follow the surface streets with Google Maps navigating us. As we turned onto Euclid Avenue, I realized it was familiar – some years ago when we visited Emily in Madison, we’d come through Chicago, so I just figured it was because I had been there close to the airport before. But, as we turned a corner, I saw a sign out of the corner of my eye that looked familiar. I couldn’t look back right then, because I was in the intersection, but as I finished the turn, I saw the angel Moroni in the rear view mirror! How fun – we basically found the Chicago Temple by mistake, but it was sweet to see it.

We arrived at Seth and Shalana’s apartment at about 7:00. We hugged the kids and Shalana fixed us a yummy meal. Charlie and Seth geeked it out in the front room and Shalana and Molly laid on the bed and caught up on news.

Thursday morning Molly got to go with Shalana and Zoey to walk the boys to school. The boys had their Spring Concert that night and were looking forward to singing. In fact Riley sang us his songs and did the actions before school started. We were glad he did because he fell on the playground equipment at recess and had to be taken to the Dr. and then the hospital for 7 stitches. It was pretty bad. We were glad we were there to watch Gunner and Zoey while Seth and Shalana were with Riley. Molly walked Gunner and Zoey over to the school and recorded the performances so everyone could see it. We enjoyed seeing Gunner as a frog, with green gloves on his hands and feet and a cute mask that the girls made for him. We were sorry Riley got hurt and missed his performance and school the next day.

We also got to go on the final walk through that morning on their new house. Molly enjoyed following Zoey around as she rolled down the hill in the side yard etc. Then we drove around the quaint town of Port Washington. It’s a very nice house and will be just right for their family.

Friday, Molly walked Gunner to school while Seth and Shalana got ready to close on their house. After the closing, we (Seth, Zoey, and us) went on a “double date” to the Lyon Den Trail, a beautiful hike along the bluffs looking over Lake Michigan. Molly was impressed with how “big” the lake is. It looks more like an ocean. It was fun to watch Seth and Zoey interact. Zoey talked to everyone we passed and asked their names.

We had to leave early Saturday morning to catch our flight back home to Salt Lake. We took the toll road, thinking it would be quicker, and hoping we could use a credit card, since we hadn’t bothered to collect some change before we left Port Washington. As we got closer to the airport, we realized that the exits required change so we quickly added up what we had - $1.90. We saw an exit saying that would be exactly what we needed, so we exited there. Whew! We’ll have to be more careful next time. We were still a couple of miles away from the airport, but we made it on time. No delays this time, and we got home to a warm reception from Emily and Stacy at the Salt Lake airport. It was a fun trip.

Sacrament Meeting Talks in Jordan Meadows Ward

[May 17, 2015] Sunday

Since we were a last minute addition (it was High Council Sunday, after all, and the High Council speaker only needed us to fill the “companion speaker” time), we didn’t have to take up very much time. Molly went first, and introduced us. 

Needless to say, ten minutes doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of nearly 36 years of marriage, kids, moves, experiences, etc. But, she gave them the short version and thanked them for so warmly welcoming us into their ward.

Then she talked about spiritual self-reliance, how to work to achieve it, and the benefits of that. I’m so grateful that she has always been so close to her Heavenly Father, and trusting in the promptings and inspiration she continually receives to direct her choices and actions. She is a special daughter of His, and I’m very blessed to be married to her.

I followed up by talking about the things we did to prepare ourselves for a mission, and the promptings that helped us, and me in particular, both to know that this was the correct thing for us to do now, and to have the confidence that we could get everything taken care of with family, house and condo, finances, work, and etc. 

As those who know us recognize, the decision to serve a mission was made nearly 36 years ago, before we even got married. This has been a lifelong desire for Molly, and since my mission as a young man, a deep desire on my part to again be able to spend full-time in this kind of service. I’ll post our talks over in the “Rambling with the ‘Rents” blog for our kids. 

Lurking Kidney Stones?

[May 15, 2015] Friday

Before heading out east to visit the kids, and before our insurance got terminated, I figured one last visit to the Urologist would be a good idea. 

With my last two kidney stone experiences, the CT scans have shown some “lurking” kidney stones of smaller size (4-5 mm) up in my kidneys. I wanted to make sure they weren’t growing, and that I had the best advice on prevention before embarking to Bolivia. Dr. Shandera had some good counsel, and ordered a KUB X-ray, just to check.

The results of the KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder) X-rag were positive – no stones were visible. Although it might not have been as sensitive as a CT scan, it was reassuring that nothing was visible. Hopefully, with adequate hydration and an increase in citrates (lemonade, limeade, etc.), I’ll not have to suffer a stone while in Bolivia (or ever again, for that matter).

California trip - Visit Molly's Mother

[May 9, 10, 11, 12, 2015] Saturday to Tuesday

Having recovered from the flood that accompanied our first, delayed attempt to go visit Molly’s mother, we took off early Saturday morning to drive to Fallbrook, where she lives with Molly’s sister, Nancy, and her family. Fortunately, this time, we had no complicating events to delay us. We arrived in the evening, and visited a bit, then checked into a motel in Fallbrook.

With the 10^th being Mother’s Day, all of Molly’s sisters except Mel, who is serving a mission in New Zealand, got together to spend the day with their mother. It was good to see Jo (and Pat, who, like me, tagged along) and Lyndie, along with Nancy, all together.

We attended Nancy’s ward in Vista, where the women all had a nice social with desserts, and a nice expression of gratitude by the Bishop in their ward. Afterwards, we had lunch (prepared by Ezra, Nancy and Jack’s son who also lives with them right now), and just had a relaxing afternoon visiting.

On Monday, Molly, Mary, Nancy, Lyndie and Jo spent the day visiting. We all went out to lunch down in Oceanside at a quaint little Mexican restaurant called Pollo’s Maria. We’re so glad that Mary is so well taken care of there at Nancy’s with Jack, their sons Ezra and Tim, and their daughter Rachel so close by to help, visit, and support her, along with Lyndie who visits often as well.

On Tuesday, we drove back home to West Valley. On the way, we got a call from the First Counselor in the Bishopric here in the Jordan Meadows Ward, asking us if we would speak on Sunday. We had been planning to drive to Missouri and Wisconsin starting on Friday, so this gave us the good excuse to delay until Monday, which forced us to fly. Good choice. I’m not sure what got into me thinking that we would enjoy driving for six days and visiting for two. This way, we got to visit for so much more time, and only had to tolerate the delayed flights and travel for parts of three days.

Matt Graduates

[May 8, 2015] Friday

Friday morning, before saying my final goodbyes at Intermountain, we got to go with Matt, Lisa, the grandkids, and Lisa’s folks to Matt’s graduation from the U. He graduates with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, and we’re so proud of him. It’s been a lot of hard work, late nights, and a major lack of sleep for him to work full time while he did his homework and studies, and Lisa has been such a huge support to him to help make it happen. I’m sure they’ll all appreciate having their daddy home more with them now. Matt really loves his little family, so I’m sure he’ll appreciate having more time with them, too.

Matt, we just want you to know how much we appreciate your hard work, your love for your sweet wife and children, and for us. You have a strong spirit, mind, and work ethic. We look forward to sharing your experiences through your blog (which is such an amazing effort on Lisa’s part to keep the family up to date). Maybe you’ll be able to contribute a bit more and share your perspectives, too, now that you are through with your degree.

After the graduation, we all went out to lunch. Lisa’s dad was gracious and treated all of us. When we get back from Bolivia, it will be my turn.

Here’s a picture of Matt, Lisa, and their kids after the graduation. Andrew didn’t want to smile, but we all know that he was really giggling inside – what with his dad all dressed up in a funny hat and robe!

Major catching up - Retirement and Party - Thanks!

[May 5,8, 2015] Tuesday, Friday

After a 34+ year career with Intermountain Healthcare, I finally pulled the plug and retired. I’ve had many, many experiences that have helped me in so many ways, but it has really been the people and the associations there that have been the most significant.

I couldn’t begin to name all the people who have been so important and meaningful to me over the years, starting in the Respiratory Care Department at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, all the way through my stint in the Quality Improvement Department there, to the Enterprise Data Warehouse team at Lake Park, Central Offices, and finally at IMED in Murray. I’ve been able to meet and work with people on so many other teams as well, and will always fondly remember those interactions.

On May 5^th, the EDW team had a “going away” party for me, along with a number of other folks with whom I had worked closely over the years. I hope I didn’t offend anyone by failing to invite them, but I didn’t want my going away to be made into a big deal. The important work left to be done can very ably be done by all those who are currently working there, and I don’t want to detract in any way from the wonderful team and folks who continue to work hard to improve healthcare. I feel fortunate to have been able to be a small part of that.

The EDW team presented me with a gift certificate to Shapiro’s Luggage, of which Molly and I made quick use. We purchased a large suitcase of very high quality, and promptly tested it to see how much we could pack into it. The regulations for baggage limit the size and weight of each piece of luggage to a total sum of 62 linear inches (height + width + depth), and 50 pounds. The size was fine, but our concern was the weight. So we went home, and packed all the clothes we will need into it – three suits, a dozen white shirts, all Molly’s outfits, socks - basically everything but shoes and toiletries, and weighed it. Only 44 pounds, so we think we’re good. We are very appreciative of this gift from the team. It will be well used, and much appreciated over the coming years.

A number of folks also showed up from other teams and locations. It was good to visit with each of them (you!). Some of the folks with whom I was fortunate to work previously who now work for Health Catalyst also gave us an Amazon gift certificate, which we used to buy a very nice Ogio bag for my laptop, iPad, books, papers, and etc. It will make traveling and staying in touch much nicer than my old, very familiar to anyone who knows me, backpack. Thanks again to all of you dear friends and acquaintances.

On Friday, May 8^th, I made my final check of my desk, and said good-bye to those who were there. It was a bit difficult to choke back the tears, so I was glad there wasn’t a large contingent. I’ve bravely tried to intimate that it wouldn’t be a big deal, but it can’t help but be for me, a bit. It’s been fun, rewarding, fulfilling, and educational. Good memories.

Empty Nesters

[April 27, 2015] Monday

We realize that some of these posts may be out of order, but we wanted to document the dates prominently so we wouldn't forget them. So, pardon the randomness!

On Monday evening, we attended the Empty Nester's Family Home Evening in American Fork. They do these quarterly for members of the ward to socialize among all the "empty nesters". Whether Molly and I qualify or not, they invited us and the Hawkins to come and tell them about our missions. 

Brother and Sister Hawkins have been called to the Mormon Trails Mission. They will be working with visitors and youth at the various historical sites, like Martin's Cove, in Wyoming. They told us about what they would be doing, and some of the stories that they are studying to be able to share. Since Molly and I had such a significant experience last summer with our ward youth there, it was exciting to think of them being there and participating all summer long. We wish them well.

Then Molly and I told them about our experiences leading up to our call, and about what we know of the temple in Bolivia, the people, and what we will be doing there. 

There were quite a number of folks from the ward. All good friends who wished us well, and assured us that we will be missed. We will certainly miss seeing them each week, and interacting in such sweet ways. They have been a wonderful influence on our family for the last 25 years.

Back home - before we leave for 23 months!

[May 1, 2015] Friday

After more than two weeks at the motel, we're back in our Condo. The workers got the sheet rock, painting, carpeting, and carpet cleaning done on Friday, and we spent the afternoon moving beds, dressers, desks and clothing. back into the bedrooms. Everything looks nice - almost like we never left. 

Molly and I slept in our "Princess Bed" (it's about 42 inches high due to a tall base. Some people would use it without the box springs, but not us) here in the condo, and Sam and Sawyer spent their last night at the motel so they could go swimming in the "Fins and Grins" pool/water park - complete with a "slime" slide - Molly's term for a tube slide.

Emily and Stacy came over Friday night to help get everything rearranged and had dinner with us. Hopefully we won't have such a disruption again, but it did help me realize how much information I need to leave with Sam about insurance, HOA, and so on.

Motel Tender Mercies

[April 17 - 30, 2015]

While we were staying at the motel, on many days, I would be there studying my Spanish, and catching up on things when the cute cleaning ladies would come in to do "light" cleaning. 

After realizing that their native language was Spanish, I decided to practice my Spanish by communicating with them as best as I could. Their eyes would light up, and they would be more than willing to practice with me, and let me help them practice their English.

We were also able to enjoy fun time with Sawyer and Sam, Andrew and Matt, Stacy and Emily at the pool. We also got free breakfast each day, and we realized that they also served a dinner in the evenings three days a week. So we were well-fed.

So, despite the fact that we weren't in our own home, we tried to make the best of the situation.

Language Learning

[April 15, 2015] Wednesday

We met (via Skype) with Elder Jamison Peterson from the MTC in Provo. He outlined the materials and resources that will be available to us to learn and refresh our Spanish. 

For us Senior Missionary types (who probably need more help than the young missionaries), they provide a Learning Coach, a Language Tutor, and a "Study Buddy". We will meet with them via Skype each week. In between, they have some very thorough lessons for us to study, grammar and vocabulary resources specific to our responsibilities, and numerous vignettes in Spanish for us to listen to and learn to hear the language. 

The Learning Coach reviews good learning practices, and helps us understand what our best approach to learning is. Given that we've been out of school for nearly 40 years, that will be a great help. The Language Tutor speaks Spanish, and helps with vocabulary, grammar, etc. The Study Buddy is a native Spanish speaker, and the expectation is that no English is spoken (except for clarifying unknown words.) They help you understand how to communicate in specific situations, what vocabulary you might need, and just help you practice.

They also provide an immersion experience that we will try and take advantage of early in June. We spend a day with native speakers at a chapel down near the MTC in Provo. We'll have a pretty good idea after that as to whether we'll starve in Bolivia for the first few weeks!

Lots of fun!